“Smile” chronicles Farah’s unseen gruelling journey and mental strength behind his smiley persona. The film gives viewers an unprecedented insight into the runner’s journey and toughest training moments, set against the backdrop of his hometown, London.

A powerful tribute from London-born spoken word artist George the Poet captures the human truth we all recognize: Behind every smile, there is a story that is never as easy as it seems.

“Smile” was created by Wieden+Kennedy, directed by Mark Zibert and produced by Rogue films.

The advert script:

You smiled a smile that made it look easy.
Made people stop and stare.
The happiness you felt you gave it so freely
They would never guess what got you there.

To be precise I mean the sleepless nights, I mean the
Uphill struggle to the steepest heights

And in that space of your lonely performance
Suddenly you become your own reassurance
That’s when you realise you don’t need assurance –
Only endurance.

You fought through the darkest hours of the night.
So this is light work, the power is in the mind.

Now you’re adorned in the glory of the final mile.
And it’s all in the story behind your smile.